Coaching Respirations

[DisasterMedTech]

1. Raises CO2

2. Decreases pH which can further compromise an acidotic metabolic situation

3. Dilates blood vessels in the head

4. Can lead to more hypoxia

5. Can promote a reactive airway reaction with dust particles.

If you can get the patient to calm down enough to stick their face in a paper bag, there should be another alternative.

I would be cautious using the paper bag.

Thats great to know. We were taught in EMT school that its just psycho-somatic with no true altering of physiology. Its times like these that I am glad we have RTs around. Thanks for the advice.